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Michelle + Tyler's Wedding Invitations: Our Signature Collection Invitation with Holiday Charm

Many couples would like a custom designed wedding invitation but might not have quite the budget for custom invitations. But sometimes it's hard to find ready-to-order invitations that are just right for your wedding. That was the case with Michelle and Tyler. Michelle loved our Square Medallion Wedding Invitation but it was missing that something special she wanted for their Christmas-themed celebration. So we ended up creating a semi-custom design for them: we took our existing Square Medallion invitation design but incorporated wintry graphics like evergreen branches and pine cones. The result? Michelle and Tyler paid much less than they would have for a completely custom design, but it was still unique to them and their wedding!

Beaded bridal shoes and camel wool ladies gloves

Hunter green and gold pine cone wedding invitations bridal bouquet

Evergreen boughs and pine cones were added to the return address and guest addresses printed on the shimmery gold outer envelopes. Pine branches and pine cones were repeated on the reception card and the couple's monogram. The entire invitation suite was held together by a hunter green belly band.

Winter bride with white and gold bridal bouquet

Baltimore bride with white and gold rose bridal bouquet

Winter Christmas Bridal party in hunter green and gold dresses

Groom dipping bride in Baltimore Maryland wedding

Christmas winter wedding reception table with gold branches

The wedding invitation details were carried through onto the reception items: tented menu cards, a cards and gifts sign, guestbook sign, Instagram hashtag sign, signature drink signs, and favor stickers (on cones of hot cocoa mix!).

hot cocoa wedding favor with gold shimmer favor stickers

Michelle and Tyler- thank you so much for letting us be a small part of this very special day. Not only was your wedding day beautiful and elegant, but you were one of the sweetest couples we've ever worked with! We hope we get to design invitations for you in the future! Congratulations!!


Ceremony location: Corpus Christi Church, Baltimore, Maryland
Reception location: Belvedere Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland


All photos above © Brittany DeFrehn Photography and used with her permission

New at La Rue: Modern Chevron Party Invitation

Introducing our latest made-to-order invitation: the Modern Chevron invite! This invitation would be perfect to invite your guests in a fun and modern, yet elegant way. The lime green chevron adds that punch of modern fun, while the black envelope and genuine Swarovski crystal accents up the elegance factor. Of course, you may choose from any of our dozens of ink and envelope colors to suit your event. This invitation would be just as fabulous in fuchsia for a bachelorette party or in all neutrals/golds for an anniversary celebration.


Modern Chevron Party Invitation

Modern Chevron Party Invitation

New at La Rue: Watercolor Poppies Shower Invitation

Now in the shop- our Watercolor Poppies Shower Invitation! Perfect for spring and summer bridal showers or really any ladylike party, watercolor poppies splash across this square invitation and invite your guests in a fresh way. Shown here in a Kate Spade-inspired color palette, but we can customize the envelope color to your heart's desire. We recommend the following colors that coordinate with the watercolor florals: Cameo, Lawn, Buttercup, Peach, Coral, Rouge, Fuchsia, Ballerina, Peony, Lavender.


How Much Do Wedding Invitations Cost?

You just got engaged and you're struggling to put together your wedding budget, one of the most stressful tasks of wedding planning. When it comes to the invitations and other stationery, how much do you budget?
Most of our clients don't have any idea what an appropriate amount is to budget for their wedding invitations and day-of stationery. Don’t worry, it’s not your fault! You've likely never done this before and those budget articles that break everything down into “X% of your budget” don’t really help much either. When you buy a greeting card it costs about $3 to $5 for a name brand card, but it isn't personalized. How much does a personalized invitation cost?

Alright, so what is the average cost of wedding invitations these days? Here’s the short answer (for Americans anyway):

According to The Knot, couples across the United States spent an average of $439 on wedding invitations in 2014. That means if the average couple bought 75 invitations (sent out to roughly 150 guests), then they spent $5.85 per invitation.

Note that figure does not include postage (response card and invitation!, day-of stationery, or other paper accessories (save the date cards, ceremony programs, menus, thank you notes, etc.). It is ONLY invitations. So now you know the “average”… but is your wedding average? What should YOU budget?

Below is a quick reference of price ranges for common invitation styles, from low to high:

Important note: Invitation pricing will vary based on where you are located (i.e. prices will be higher in large metro areas and on the coasts) and who you are ordering from (a pocketfold from an Etsy seller will likely cost less than one from a high-end invitation designer). Also, a number of factors affect invitation pricing (paper choices, printing method, embellishments etc.). The pricing below reflects a standard invitation of the type listed. This is by no means a comprehensive list, just something to get you started!
Online/E-mail Invitations = < $1+ 

Yes, they exist, and personally I do not think an email invitation is appropriate for an event as important and special as your wedding. Birthday party, yes. Wedding, no, no, no. Nonetheless, it is an option that some couples with very limited budgets may want to consider. Online options are usually priced as a flat rate (i.e. $79, $99 etc.), so the price per invite will depend on the number of invites you are sending out.


invitation from Greenvelope.com
Print Your Own Invitations = <$1+

"Print your own" would refer to the boxed invitations you can find at your local big box craft store – the kind that come with all of the pieces and you are responsible for designing and printing the invite yourself. These invites range in price, but can often be purchased for less than $1 each (sometimes much less if you have a good coupon).


invitation from Michaels.com
DIY Invitations = $2+

Do-It-Yourself is tough to provide an average for, as there are so many options that fall under the DIY category (online printables, DIY kits, designing your invite completely from scratch). That being said, you can bet you’ll be spending a minimum of $2 for your supplies, tools, adhesive, etc. and possibly much more, depending on the complexity of your project and how many of the tools you already own. 
invitation posted on weddingbee.com
Standard Single-Panel Invitation = $2 - $5

This would include your standard invitation package consisting of a single panel invitation with response card and matching envelopes. This pricing would cover a range of album companies, online companies, and even some custom options. Again, the simplicity of the design and the quality of the materials is what will dictate pricing in this category. This option includes our Signature Collection invitations.

invitation from weddingpaperdivas.com
Upgraded Panel Invitation = $4 - $8

Here you would be looking at a panel invitation (possibly with backers) made from higher quality papers such as thicker paper or cotton paper, and possibly featuring embellishments (ribbons, crystals, etc.). Again, this would include mid-range album invitations, online options, as well as custom design options. This price range includes our Signature Collection invitations with Adornments, as well as our invitations with laser cut enclosures.

invitation from La Rue Louise
Pocketfold Invitation = $5 - $9

Pricing on pocketfold-style invitations can vary greatly based on the quality of the pocketfold and the type of invitation design. More inserts and embellishments are going to equal higher prices.
invitation from Jupiter and Juno

Standard Boxed Invitation = $8 - $12

Boxed invitations can also range greatly, based on exactly what’s inside the box and what it’s made of. This price range would be for a standard type of invite in a cardstock-based box.
invitation from Hip Ink
Luxury Invitations = $15+

When it comes to luxury invitations the sky is truly the limit. But don’t expect to pay anything less than around $15 per set. This category would include things like large crystal embellishments, engraving, silk boxes or folios, and uncommon materials (acrylic, metal etc.).

invitation from Twig and Fig
The important thing to understand is that invitations work like pretty much everything else when it comes to weddings – you get what you pay for. What’s important in the above information is the minimum cost for each category. If someone is out there selling $3 pocketfolds, you can bet that you’ll probably be unhappy with the quality, design, etc. and there is a reason that they are only $3. The good news is this- there is an option out there to suit every couple, every style, and every wedding budget!

New at La Rue: Mod Dot Shower Invitation

New in the shop is our Mod Dot Shower Invitation. A perfect blend of modern and sweet, this A2 size invitation is a fun way to get your guests excited about your baby shower, bridal shower, or even birthday or bachelorette party. Available in dozens of colors and the envelope comes printed with your return address in a fun polka dot shape!


Modern Polka Dot Baby Shower Invitation


Modern Polka Dot Bridal Shower Invitation

New at La Rue: Chevron Posy Shower Invitation

New in the shop is this cute and feminine shower invitation. Perfect for either a baby or bridal shower (or even a lady-like birthday party!), this invite is 5 ½ inch square and completely girly. This design features a chevron pattern and a hand-painted watercolor posy with flowers in shades of purple, pink, orange, and navy (watercolor flower colors cannot be changed, but chevron and text can be customized to any color you'd like). The envelope flap is printed with your return address and a sweet matching posy illustration.



Chevron Posy Baby or Bridal Shower Invitation